No Electrical Items
When you have old electrical items like broken toasters, old phones or faulty kettles, you might think about throwing them in the wheelie bin. However, this is not a good idea. Electrical items can be dangerous if put in the bin. They can cause fires and harm the environment.
Instead of putting electrical items in the bin, you should take them to a special recycling centre. Many shops that sell electrical items also have bins where you can drop off your old gadgets.
For example, if your TV stops working, don’t just put it in the wheelie bin. Take it to a recycling centre. Some councils even offer to pick up large electrical items from your home. Always check with your local council to find out the best way to get rid of these items safely.
No Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste includes items like batteries, paint cans, cleaning chemicals, and other potentially dangerous materials. These items should never be disposed of in a wheelie bin because they can harm the environment, pose risks to public health, and even damage waste collection equipment.
Batteries, for example, contain harmful chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. When thrown in a wheelie bin, these chemicals can leak and contaminate soil and water, creating long-term environmental damage. Many supermarkets and shops now provide battery recycling boxes where you can safely dispose of used batteries.
Paint cans, whether full or empty, are also considered hazardous waste. Residual paint in the cans can emit toxic fumes or leak into the environment, causing harm to both humans and wildlife. Local recycling centres typically accept paint cans, and some areas offer specific collection days for hazardous waste. Always check with your local council for guidelines on proper disposal.
Cleaning chemicals, such as bleach, oven cleaner, and drain unblockers, are highly hazardous if spilled. They can cause chemical burns, emit harmful fumes, and pose serious risks to waste workers and animals. It’s essential to take these items to designated drop-off points where they can be handled and disposed of safely.
Other hazardous items, like pesticides, herbicides, or solvents, require special attention as well. Throwing them in a wheelie bin can result in leaks that harm the environment or create fire hazards. Recycling centres or specialist waste facilities are equipped to handle these substances responsibly.
By ensuring hazardous waste is disposed of properly, you not only protect the environment but also contribute to public safety. Following local guidelines and using designated disposal points helps reduce risks and ensures these materials are managed safely and effectively.
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Get a QuoteNo Garden or Building Waste
Garden waste like grass clippings, leaves, and branches should not go in your regular wheelie bin. Instead, many councils provide a separate green bin for garden waste. This way, garden waste can be composted and turned into useful soil.
Building waste such as bricks, rubble and wood offcuts are also not allowed in the wheelie bin. These materials are heavy and bulky and can damage the bin or the collection truck.
If you have building waste from a DIY project, you should take it to your local tip or recycling centre. Some councils might even offer a service to pick it up from your house for a small fee.
By keeping garden and building waste out of your wheelie bin, you help keep the environment clean and safe.
No Liquids or Oils
Liquids like milk, juice or cooking oil should never be poured into your wheelie bin. These liquids can leak out of the bin and create a mess on your street. They also attract pests like rats and foxes.
If you need to get rid of cooking oil, let it cool down first. Then pour it into a container with a lid before throwing it away with your regular rubbish. For larger amounts of oil or other liquids, take them to a recycling centre that accepts liquid waste.
Never pour engine oil or car fluids down the drain or into your wheelie bin. These oils are very harmful to the environment and need special disposal methods.
By keeping liquids and oils out of your wheelie bin, you help keep your area clean and pest-free.
No Large or Heavy Objects
Large or heavy objects, such as old furniture, mattresses, large toys, bricks, or metal rods, should never be placed in your wheelie bin. These items are too bulky for standard rubbish collection and can create a variety of problems for waste disposal systems, including damage to bins and collection vehicles.
Items like old furniture or mattresses often exceed the size and weight limits for wheelie bins, making it impossible for the collection truck to handle them. For these types of waste, many local councils offer bulk waste collection services. These services allow you to arrange for items to be picked up directly from your home, often for a small fee. Some recycling centres also accept large household items, ensuring they are disposed of responsibly or even recycled where possible.
If your large items are still in good condition, consider donating them to charities or organisations that can reuse them. Many charities will collect furniture, appliances, or other large items at no cost, giving your unwanted belongings a second life and helping those in need.
Heavy objects, such as bricks, concrete, or metal rods, pose additional risks. These materials can damage the wheelie bin itself, making it unsafe for regular use. Furthermore, the weight can strain collection vehicles, causing mechanical issues or even accidents. If you have building waste from a renovation or DIY project, you should take it to a designated recycling centre or arrange for a skip or builder’s bag collection.
It’s also worth noting that improper disposal of large or heavy items can create safety hazards for rubbish collectors. Overloading bins or placing oversized items in them makes it difficult for workers to handle the waste safely. This increases the risk of injury and slows down the collection process for your area.
By finding the appropriate way to dispose of large and heavy items, you not only avoid damaging your bin and disrupting rubbish collection but also contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.
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